Government ‘committed’ to tackling mould in social housing

The government has said it’s committed to introducing tougher rules on damp and mould in social housing.

According to housing minister Matthew Pennycook, all homes should be “safe, decent and warm”.

That’s why the government is moving to introduce Awaab’s Law to the social rented sector “as soon as possible”.

The proposed law, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died from a respiratory condition caused by mould in social housing, will place tougher requirements on landlords to make sure their properties are safe.

“If they do not, residents will be able to hold their social landlords to account by taking legal action through the courts or seeking redress through the housing ombudsman service,” Mr Pennycook said.

He noted that social housing providers are also subject to other rules and regulations.

For example, he said standards are set by the independent social housing regulator, while the safety and quality standard means landlords must provide “an effective and timely repairs service” for their properties.

What are the risks of living in damp homes?

Damp and mould can lead to many health issues, including a higher risk of:

• respiratory problems and infections
• allergies
• asthma
• heart attacks, heart disease or strokes

What to do if you live in a cold, damp house

Although the maintenance of your home is your landlord’s responsibility, there are still some small steps you can take to reduce mould and damp. 

Improve ventilation

Firstly, a proper airflow is key to preventing damp and mould. 

Open windows for at least 10-15 minutes every day, particularly after activities that produce moisture, such as showering and cooking.

If it’s too cold to leave the windows open, think about installing trickle vents or using an affordable window fan to keep air circulating.

Use a dehumidifier

A budget-friendly disposable dehumidifier can help you remove excess moisture from the air.

Think about where you dry clothes

If you can, hang your washing outside or use a vented tumble dryer.

Otherwise, place a dehumidifier near your drying rack, or place clothes near a sunny window.

Deal with small leaks 

Check for leaks around windows, doors or pipes, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. 

Wipe condensation on windows

If you have condensation on your windows, wipe surfaces daily and think about using insulating film on glass to reduce temperature differences that cause condensation.

Clean and treat mould early

If mould has already appeared, deal with it early before it spreads.

One cheap way to tackle it is with a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water, or use a mould remover from a shop. 

Meanwhile, wipe down walls and surfaces that are prone to dampness regularly and repaint affected areas with anti-mould paint.

Tell your landlord

Finally, make sure your landlord knows, and if you have a serious issue with damp and mould, make sure you’re taking photos and videos to back up your case.